An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, not the Social Security Administration. It is not the same as an SSN, an ITIN is not to be used for employment purposes. An ITIN number is only used for tax purposes. That is, in order to be employed you need an SSN. If you are just receiving a scholarship or fellowship and are not employed otherwise, then you need an ITIN.
You must apply for an ITIN using a form W-7. The W-7 is available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
The W- 7 form must be mailed to the IRS office at the address in the instructions with the W-7 form.
- You cannot take it to the IRS office nor is it to be mailed to the OSU Payroll Department. The IRS is the agency that issues the ITIN.
- Do not send original documents (passport and immigration documents) with the W-7 form and insure that you follow the directions in the instructions for additional documents you must attach to the W-7.
- You will also need a letter from the Office of International Affairs to accompany your form W-7 stating you are not employed by the university and do not qualify for an SSN.